American Flyer Semaphore Block Signal 588 Instructions

These are the installation instructions furnished by the A. C. Gilbert Co. to customers to aid them in the installation and operation of American Flyer equipment. Specifically, this bulletin is for the American Flyer Semaphore Block Signal 588 Installation instructions. A semaphore was used to signal train engineers with key information regarding the use of rail lines. A semaphore is a system of sending messages by holding the arms or two flags or poles in certain positions according to an alphabetic code.

Unlike the American Flyer Accessory 758 and 758A, the 588 was a manual semaphore. The top of the mast, flag and lamp along with the ladder are re-used parts from the 588 semaphore that was cataloged pre-war and again post-war. The instructions below provide for both a single train and track as well as for operating two trains.